May 24, 2011

Lincoln, Nebraska (The Weekly Vice) - Psst. Hey buddy, I'm in jail for stealing a diamond watch, what are you in for? That question might be a little embarrassing for the couple above to answer.

Christy Harris, 34, and Jesse Moore, 36, were jailed Wednesday after they allegedly siphoned dirty, used oil out of a restaurant grease trap. Estimated worth? About $1.50 per gallon.

According to Lincoln Police, officers had been advised to keep eye out for suspicious trucks equipped with a tank and hoses. About 4,200 pounds of used cooking oil had reportedly been stolen from six different restaurants in the area over the past few weeks.

Restaurants usually drain oil out of their deep fryers after it becomes dark and saturated with carbon build up. That oil is then drained from the fryer and stored in a locked grease trap behind the building.

Companies then pick up the discarded oil, clean it and then re-sell it to a variety of businesses.

Investigators say an officer pulled the couple over after noticing that the truck did not have a license plate. The couple reportedly admitted to siphoning oil from the grease trap behind a Japanese restaurant.

There's still no word as to why anyone would drive around without a license plate right after stealing something - but that's usually why these grease-balls end up here on TWV.

Police also learned that Harris works for a Missouri oil company - indicating she'd likely have knowledge about companies that would be interested in purchasing used oil.

The couple was booked into jail on a charge of larceny.

Danny ViceThe Weekly Vice

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